“It is unclear whether such forced education would have any adverse effects, but generally masculinity does not need to be reinforced,” says Liu Junsheng, a professor at the school of psychology and cognitive science at East China Normal University. “It is enough for boys to have a role model in life.”

Li Xuan, a psychology professor at NYU Shanghai who studies parenting in China, says an excessive emphasis on masculinity from an early age could contribute to mental health issues and violent behavior.

Li says boys and girls alike should be encouraged to express their emotions, show support to others and explore both activities traditionally considered “masculine,” such as sports and science, and “feminine” activities, such as cooking and dancing.

“Many parents are worried their boys will not survive in society if they do not meet its expectations of men,” Li says. “But forcing children to be masculine could do more harm than good to their development.”